Oh my goodness, look at all of you visiting here with such kind words. I'm very touched and surprised. Let's see if I can do what Sher [What Did You Eat] does with such apparent grace each week, by responding to each of you personally.

Dear Astrid, Kashim & Othello,Yes, sadly what you read is so, and we let her go this morning. She was 18 years old and had several illnesses that geriatric cats get. But our skill at keeping her alive outran our ability to keep her kicking up her heels, and she was starting to feel unwell despite the best meals and meds. We knew this day was coming. Thank you so much for writing.

Dear Amar and Luna,It's the sad part, when life comes to an end and loved ones part. I think reading what Sher wrote about Sundance gave us the courage to do what we dreaded having to do. That you're thinking of us really helps...thanks. Have Luna dance a little tuna [ ;-) ] on one of your spectacular musical instruments for Taboo, will you?? All the blogging kitties will have to be like our foster kits. Isn't it amazing how we look forward to seeing all of them from week to week?

Dear Sanjee, Boni Maroni, Mini, Gree and Pepi [what great names],Yes, you wild pack of cuties, she had to go to the bridge. BUT Merry and Bianca and most especially Sushi ["The Bubby"] were waiting for their girl to arrive with news and love from home. We miss them all, that's for sure. Thanks for LOTSA purrs, I can feel them helping already.

Dear KC & Missy Blue Eyes,It's so sweet of you to write those kind words...it does feel like a loss. We're thinking we'll just cry until we can't anymore. And then we'll hear your lovely rumbly purrs. Thanks.

Dear Samantha & Tigger,Thanks so much for them. But you know....we just had to "let her take off to find the footlights," and her sweet companion up ahead.

Dear Zippy, Sadie and Speedy,We are furry sad. Purrs help, so send more, and more, and still yet more. We feel a teeny bit better now. You has cheeseburgers to send, too? [Taboo would have wanted us to ask.]

Dear missouri meowers -- nels, ed, nitro, and xingxing,Oh no, all your tender nosekisses are making our eyes leak again. We are going to miss our precious Taboo. You all get a tummy tickle sent to you on wings of love from South Carolina to Missouri, 'kay?

I am so sorry to hear about Taboo's passing. I can only imagine how difficult things are right now for you, and my prayers and Puddy's purrs are being sent up for you and your family during this time. She really will be missed, she was a gorgeous cat, who has taken with her so many amazing and beautiful memories from her 18 years on this Earth.

I am so sorry for your loss of Taboo. What a wonderful name and such a gorgeous girl. She gave you many wonderful years and I know you have great memories to keep close to your heart. May those ease your loss. My deepest sympathies and purrayers....

We are truly sending condolences to you - every week it was a joy to see Taboo on WCB. I didn't know how old Taboo was but it's still never easy to let go. Many prayers and purrs are being sent to you from us.

Whaleshaman, we don't know what to say, except thank you and we are sending our tears and our heart to you. When we began kitty blogging, you and Taboo were one of our first kitty friends, and it is so sad to see our friend leave.

Taboo, Rest in Gentle Love and Peace and You Are Missed, GoodNight Sweet Friend, Peace

Much comforting purrs to you and your beloved ones. We're sure that when next you see a rainbow you'll hear a faint purr coming from beyond it , telling you that all is well there. It's hard to let go, but then, our furriends never fully leave now do they ?

Purr purr purr purr...Zorro, Loup-Garou, Bean Sidhe and Hrimnir from the House of Chaos

I'm so sorry for your loss, whaleshaman. My first cat was with me for 19 years, and her passing left a huge hole in my heart. You gave Taboo a loving home for many years, and did her a great kindness at the end of her long, happy life.

Dear Furry Logic,It sounds like you know this by heart. And looking at your crew, it’s easy to see how special each one is – and even Daisy the doggy, WOOF! Thanks for being here with your prayers and thoughts. It really makes a difference. Hug your fur babies for me!

Dear Katie,Thank you so much for your kind words. We really miss Taboo so deeply at times and we just break down and cry. Then we feel a little better for awhile, and then – it’s a cycle, sigh. But it sure cheers up to stop in at your blog and see all of Puddy’s recent adventures with a new harness and “swimming,” and a new barbeque and a catnip mouse. What a beautiful kitty, like a mini black leopard. Well, thanks again for your support and good luck with your celeb diet. Warning: Do NOT go the Sher’s blog [What Did You Eat?] It looks too delicious and too tempting. Give Puddy and tummy tickle from us.

Dear Gemini, Cheysuli, Georgia,Your Momma sure is lucky to have all you beautiful pusses. Thanks for your purrs and sweet words. I might have to send nose kisses and love blinks! Taboo’s favorite friend and life companion was a flame-point meezer, so we have a special fondness here, too. See you Friday – I’ll be lurking!

Dear Astrid, Kashim & Othello,Oh Kashim and Othello – 2 of my favorite cat boys! Your momma sure is blessed to have you and your sweet ways. At least we don’t have to say we’ll miss you because we plan on stopping in whenever we feel like it, to say hello and look at your beautiful selves, maybe especially too when I’m missing Taboo. I know she wouldn’t mind. So I’m keeping too the headbumpies, purrs and the big hug, all the way from Austria, the land of the divine Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel. But I confess, not as yummy as a nuzzle on your sweet tummies!

Dear Radcliff, Allie, Luna & OzzieMwahhhhhhh! I went to your blog to see your pretty faces and there were no pictures!! Maybe soon? But we will keep the purrrsss and the {{huggs}} from you all. Thanks.

Dear Karen Jo,Thanks so much for your hugs. Your kitties are so beautiful. And you are right about the sweetness of Taboo. She was the only cat I ever had who never bit, no matter how wild the play with her humans or miserable the vet treatment she endured. She was the nicest of friends. And we miss here a lot.

Dear Starbuck and Torrey,Uh-oh, the kittens who look like t-r-o-u-b-l-e!! I love looking at you both and your exploring adventures. [And your housemate Sebastion – he looks pretty dignified, not like you two little goofballs.] Thanks for stopping by and leaving those kind words, it was greatly appreciated here.

Dear Parker,Oh beautiful Parker, you are perfect – a purrfectly lovely boy. We like you a lot, and thanks for stopping by with your kind words.

Dear DEBRA,What cute kitties [Abby, Boo, Jinx, Ping and little Gracie] you have! After all these years together, we really miss Taboo a lot – and even expect to see her snuggled in a favorite quiet spot. Now I’ll just have to make the rounds of all the cat blogs when I get lonely. Thank you for being here for us, it really helped.

Dear Kate and Bustopher & Harmon,Thanks so much. It means a lot to us. We can tell from your blog. how much you care for each other.

Dear Emma's Kat,Thanks you so much. We love all your kitties.

Dear China Cat or Willow,We’re going to miss having you stop by, but we can at least drop by to see all the fun you guys are having. All your faces are so special. What nice kitties. Thanks for being here, Sammawow, China Cat & Willow.

Dear Aloysius,You’ll appreciate this. The catnip I grew this summer for Taboo was just about “ready.” I didn’t want it sitting out with nobody appreciating it like you and Taboo would, so I took it next door to the new kitten in honor of all you nipkitties. He has even more fur than you, but his color is cream with red points. If I can sneak a picture of him, I’ll share it with you. Let’s hope he doesn’t acquire a problem habit!

Dear Mr. Hendrix,I liked reading about how your people found you, and that you, too, like The Who and were named after Jimi. Thank you for stopping by and saying sweet things about our lovely Taboo. When you say we did a brave thing – it’s really hard [think about it really carefully if you have the time, people.] and doesn’t get any easier, nor should it. She was really the brave one and inspired us with her courage. Thanks for coming, your powerful words really helped.

Dear Bad Kitty,My eyes are leaking again to read your loving and sweet words. You will always be remembered in my heart for your exuberant joy and tender love for kitties – BAD kitties.

Dear Jelly,Thank you so much for being here. I hope your heat wave has broken and your computer is fixed! ;-) Thanks for your sweet condolences, they really help! I’m sending cool breezes and wishes for soft rains your way.

Dear Christine and FAZ,I see Faz has many space adventures, when at heart he’s really just a homebody with a special nest under the bed. Thanks for your kindness and sweet words.

Dear boo_licious,I just love how cute your stray mummy cat looks. I hope the kittens are staying dry. Have you spotted them yet? I look forward to pictures of them, hint hint. [And I’m late for breakfast, so ALL the food photos are making my mouth water, especially the fritters and vanilla bean cupcakes!] I’ve always liked your interesting and pretty blog, so expect me to be lurking and commenting as usual. Thanks for your kind words about our little Taboo.

Dear Babeth,Wow, I’ll remember to listen carefully the next rainbow I see. Thank you for all your kind wishes, and give all your adorable kitties scratches from us!

Dear Kimberly,I’ve always loved going to your blog and seeing that one yellow eye staring – a big laugh out loud. And an enormous and grateful thank you for your kind and wise words of affirmation. I do need them now and then.

Dear John,Thanks for your kind thoughts, though I have to say after checking out your blog – it’s wonderful, and crawling with beautiful kittens and cats! How nice that you help find nice homes for them.

Dear Rosa's Yummy Yums,Thank you so very much, not only for your special words here, but for the touching memorial with photo of Taboo, on your website. It was a sweet surprise. Thankyouthankyou. Nice lemon bars, too !

I am sorry to read that Taboo has passed over. meow. This has been a very sad August for kitties departing the earth. Taboo, I have always enjoyed checking into the Jelly Pizza blog to see you. I will miss you Taboo.